News

The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) announced that New Hampshire H.B. 1220, a bill to prohibit ethanol blended gasoline at levels greater than 10% (E10), has been introduced in the state.

The legislation prohibits a person from selling or offering for sale gasoline that contains corn-based ethanol as an additive at a level greater than 10%. A similar bill was signed into law last year in Maine.

H.B. 1220 recognizes that ethanol increases water formation which can then corrode metals and dissolve plastics and rubber, especially over a period of time when the vehicle is not used. Current high performance specialty parts along with pre-model year 2001 cars and parts may be most susceptible to corrosion.

H.B. 1220 recognizes that the life span of vehicles and equipment can be dramatically reduced with the wrong fuel and that owners could be confronted with breakdowns. Anti-corrosion additives are available for each purchase of gasoline but can become expensive, burdensome and require consumer education.

H.B. 1220 recognizes that there has been an inability to obtain unblended gasoline for engines that may be damaged by ethanol.

The SEMA Action Network (SAN) is asking members to contact all members of the New Hampshire House Science, Technology and Energy Committee to request support for H.B. 1220. A list of members can found here.

SAN asks that anyone sending a letter to please e-mail a copy Steve McDonald at [email protected].